Hamden official targets aggressive dogs

HAMDEN -- After listening to concerns from Dunbar Hill area residents, Legislative Council President James Pascarella said he'll ask town officials if rules can be passed on aggressive dogs.

Pascarella attended a meeting of the Dunbar Hill Civic Association this week, where residents said they were concerned for their safety while walking outside.

On Dec. 18, a retriever mix dog was attacked by a pit bull on Dunbar Hill Road in front of Dunbar Hill Volunteer Fire Company headquarters. Four men helped the owner, and the pit bull was tied to a pole. The dog slipped its collar and again attacked the retriever mix. Police were called and a patrol officer fired four shots at the pit bull, which died. The owner of the retriever mix, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed her concerns in a letter to the civic association.

Speaking on her behalf this week, Scott Howland said that he wanted to raise awareness that people don't feel safe walking outside, with or without their dogs. He said he walks with a baseball bat and pepper spray.

Police Capt. Ronald Smith said officers can't stop people from using properly permitted pistols, but it's not recommended.

According to Smith, the town's two animal control officers responded to 2,100 complaints in 2010 about animals. They made 36 arrests connected to dog bites, roaming or failure to vaccinate, and issued 25 written warnings.

Several restraining orders also were handed out.

Enforcement is only possible if owners can be found.

People said they were concerned about roaming pit bulls, and the topic of banning the dogs was raised.

Pascarella, D-at large, said he didn't think it would be possible to regulate one breed, as most dogs are not pedigrees.

"Where do you draw the line?"

Pascarella said there are a number of things to look into, such as what town regulations may deal with aggressive dogs and how many dogs are allowed per residence, as well as what other towns are doing.

Pascarella said it would be difficult to ban a specific breed, but it might be easier to codify what constitutes aggressive animals and how the town can regulate them for the public's safety through an ordinance.

Smith said he has had an in-depth coversation with the woman whose dog was attacked. "We seemed to make progress," he said after the phone call.

The woman, who lives off Benham Street, said that it will take a lot of time and effort to get things accomplished. On her agenda is to talk with planning and zoning officials about changing the laws in regard to the number of dogs a resident can have; looking at the fee structure associated with setting up kennels in residential neighborhoods; setting up a block watch, and educating dog owners about aggression.

Pascarella said he will talk to Mayor Scott D. Jackson about the issue and ask if the administration can do some research.

"I heard the concerns and I'm concerned, also. I would like to do research before proposing something," he said.